China just marked a bold leap into the space internet race! On Tuesday, 18 satellites blasted off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, paving the way for the nation’s ambitious ‘Thousand Sails Constellation’ project. Think of it as China’s answer to SpaceX’s Starlink – but with a local twist.
The satellites soared into orbit aboard a modified Long March-6 rocket at 2:42 p.m. Beijing Time, kicking off Phase 1 of the G60 Starlink initiative. This mega constellation aims to provide high-speed internet coverage globally, bridging digital divides from bustling cities to remote villages .
“This launch is a milestone for China’s space-tech ambitions,” said a project lead (via state media). The plan? Deploy over 1,000 satellites by 2030 to create a seamless web of connectivity – perfect for gamers, entrepreneurs, and anyone craving faster streaming .
Why care? For tech enthusiasts, it’s a peek into the future of global internet infrastructure. For professionals, it signals new opportunities in China’s growing space economy. And for travelers? Imagine posting #Wanderlust updates from the Himalayas without buffering .
Next up: More launches to expand the network. Stay tuned – the sky’s no longer the limit!
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China launches first satellites in mega internet constellation project
cgtn.com